Adding Algerian militant Mokhtar Belmokhtar to a US list for targeted killing would entail a significant US military expansion into northwestern Africa, the Wall Street Journal reported Saturday, citing unnamed US officials. It would mean extending drone strikes and other operations there.
Thirty-seven foreign hostages, including three Americans, were killed when gunmen last month stormed the In Amenas gas plant and the Algerian army launched a military assault in response.
The push to target Belmokhtar is being led by US military and intelligence officials, Journal stated.